EP1419556B1 - Apparatus for grounding railway contact rails - Google Patents
Apparatus for grounding railway contact rails Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1419556B1 EP1419556B1 EP02757174A EP02757174A EP1419556B1 EP 1419556 B1 EP1419556 B1 EP 1419556B1 EP 02757174 A EP02757174 A EP 02757174A EP 02757174 A EP02757174 A EP 02757174A EP 1419556 B1 EP1419556 B1 EP 1419556B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- contact rail
- jaw
- handle
- ratchet teeth
- pawl
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 5
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60M1/00—Power supply lines for contact with collector on vehicle
- B60M1/02—Details
- B60M1/04—Mechanical protection of line; Protection against contact by living beings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60M1/00—Power supply lines for contact with collector on vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60M5/00—Arrangements along running rails or at joints thereof for current conduction or insulation, e.g. safety devices for reducing earth currents
- B60M5/02—Means for reducing potential difference between rail and adjacent ground
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
- H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
- H01R4/64—Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a hand-held tool for gripping a railway contact rail according to the preamble of claims 1.
- a conventional railway track includes a pair of elongated running rails that receive the wheels of train cars thereon.
- the running rails are spaced laterally apart from one another and extend longitudinally and in substantially parallel relation to one another.
- a third rail is located adjacent to one of the running rails and is energized with electrical current and serves as the power supply for the electrical motors of electric-powered train cars.
- Electric-powered train cars typically have one or more steel collector shoes that contact the top portion of a contact rail for transferring electrical current from the contact rail to a train car's electric motors.
- US 2 068 528 A describes a rail connector clamp for use in making a connection to a rail for the ground side of a circuit.
- the adjustable clamping connector comprises a body member having a claw for engagement with one flange of a rail and having a slide member movable therealong and having a rail-clamping element supported therein with an actuating means for the rail-clamping element.
- GB 1 085 499 A describes a conventional clamp for earthing a rail that is similar to that shown and described in regard to Fig. 2.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional arrangement of railway running rails 10 and an adjacent contact rail 12 for supplying electrical power.
- the contact rail 12 rests on elevated insulators 13 that are spaced apart along the railway.
- the wheels 14 of a train car engage and roll along the running rails 10 and a collector shoe 16 is in contact with the top portion 12a of the contact rail 12 and receives electrical power therefrom.
- a protection cover 18 is conventionally utilized as illustrated in Fig. 1, particularly in areas where passengers may be present, such as loading platforms, etc.
- a protection cover 18 is conventionally mounted over the top portion 12a of a contact rail 12, as illustrated.
- a gap of about 7,62 cm (3 inches) is provided between the top portion 12a of a contact rail 12 and the bottom 18a of a protection cover 18.
- this gap may vary.
- contact rail protection covers are permanently attached and cannot be removed, even for maintenance on the contact rail.
- a contact rail is conventionally discharged or grounded once the electrical power is turned off.
- grounding of a contact rail is accomplished by connecting an electrical cable between the contact rail and the.running rail farthest away from the contact rail.
- the illustrated clamping device 20 includes an electrically conductive "hook-up" pad 22 (e.g., a copper pad) with a chain 24 and a T-handle 26.
- the hook-up pad 22 is placed on the top portion 12a of a contact rail 12 and is held in place via a U-shaped holder 23 and a chain 24.
- the chain 24 is tightened around the pad holder 23 and the contact rail 12 via the T-handle 26.
- An electrical cable 28 extends from the clamping device 20 to a clamping device 30 attached to a running rail 10.
- the contact rail 12 is grounded to the running rail 10 via the electrical cable 28.
- a hand-held tool includes first and second members pivotally attached.
- the first member includes a first jaw at an end thereof, a handle at an opposite end thereof, and a first intermediate portion extending between the first jaw and the handle.
- the second member includes a second jaw at an end thereof, a set of ratchet teeth at an opposite end thereof, and a second intermediate portion extending between the second jaw and the set of ratchet teeth.
- the first and second jaws are configured to pivot towards each other and grip respective opposite sides of a railway contact rail when the handle is pivoted in a downwardly direction.
- a pawl extends from the first intermediate portion and engages the set of ratchet teeth to hold the first and second jaws in contact with the respective opposite sides of a railway contact rail.
- a spring operatively associated with the pawl is configured to urge the pawl into engagement with the set of ratchet teeth.
- a release lever operatively associated with the biasing member and/or the pawl is configured to disengage the pawl from the set of ratchet teeth and to allow movement of the handle so that the first and second jaws can be disengaged from the contact rail.
- one or more roller members may be located at the first and second jaws to facilitate installation of the hand-held tool on a contact rail.
- Hand-held tools can operate within very narrow spaces, thus allowing operators to quickly and easily grip an energized contact rail protected by an overhead protection cover while maintaining a safe distance therefrom.
- the hand-held gripping tool 40 includes first and second members 42, 52 pivotally attached to each other via pin 41.
- the illustrated first member 42 includes a first jaw 43 at an end 42a thereof, a handle 44 at an opposite end 42b thereof, and a first intermediate portion 45 that extends between the first jaw 43 and the handle 44.
- the illustrated second member 52 includes a second jaw 53 at an end 52a thereof, a set of ratchet teeth 54 at an opposite end thereof, and a second intermediate portion 55 that extends between the second jaw 53 and the set of ratchet teeth 54.
- the first and second jaws 43, 53 of the first and second members 42, 52 are configured to pivot towards each other and grip respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of a railway contact rail 12 when an operator moves the handle 44 in a downwardly direction (indicated by arrow A 1 ).
- the second intermediate portion 55 of the second member 52 may have a flexible configuration relative to the first member 42 to facilitate good electrical contact between the contact surface 55a of the second intermediate portion 55 and a top portion 12a of a contact rail when the first and second jaws 43, 53 grip respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of the contact rail.
- a flexible configuration of the second intermediate portion 55 may also facilitate installation of the hand-held tool 40 on contact rails that vary in height ( e.g., because of wear, etc.).
- a replaceable electrically conductive pad (e.g. , similar to electrically conductive pad 12 illustrated in Fig. 2 ), such as a copper pad, may be attached to the contact surface 55a of the second intermediate portion 55 to enhance electrical contact with the top portion 12a of a contact rail 12.
- the replaceable conductive pad may also reduce wear on the second intermediate portion contact surface 55a.
- a pawl 60 extends from the first intermediate portion 45 of the first member 42 and is configured to engage the set of ratchet teeth 54 on the second member 52.
- the pawl 60 is configured to hold the first and second jaws 43, 53 in contact with the respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of the railway contact rail 12 when the handle 44' is pivoted in the downwardly direction (indicated by arrow A 1 ).
- a biasing member 62 e.g., a leaf spring as illustrated
- a release lever 64 is attached to the first'member and is operatively associated with the biasing member 62 for disengaging the pawl 60 from the set of ratchet teeth 54 such that the handle 44 can move upwardly (indicated by arrow A 2 ) to force the first and second jaws 43, 53 away from each other, thereby disengaging the contact rail.
- the use of the pawl 60 and ratchet teeth 54 allows the hand-held tool 40 to be utilized on contact rails of varying height. As is known to those skilled in the art, contact rails may vary in height as a result of wear. Moreover, use of the pawl 60 and ratchet teeth 54 provides an increased margin of safety since, once engaged, the likelihood of accidental disengagement is reduced.
- the illustrated hand-held tool 140 includes first and second members 142, 152 pivotally attached to each other via pin 141.
- the illustrated first member 142 includes a first jaw 143 at an end 142a thereof, a handle 144 at an opposite end 142b thereof, and a first intermediate portion 145 that extends between the first jaw 143 and the handle 144.
- the illustrated handle 144 is welded to plate 149 which is attached ( e.g. , attached via hex-head machine thread screws, as illustrated) to first member 142.
- embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this handle attachment configuration.
- Various ways of attaching the handle 144 to the first member 142 may be utilized.
- the illustrated second member 152' includes a second jaw 153 at an end 152a thereof, a set of ratchet teeth 154 at an opposite end thereof, and a second intermediate portion 155 that extends between the second jaw 153 and the set of ratchet teeth 154.
- the first and second jaws 143, 153 of the first and second members 142, 152 are configured to pivot relative to each other so as to grip respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of a railway contact rail when an operator moves the handle 144 downwardly.
- a ferrule clamp 147 is located at the bottom of the illustrated first member 142 that is configured to securely grip the grounding cable 28.
- a pair of rollers 148 are located at the first jaw 143, and a pair of rollers 158 are located at the second jaw 153, as illustrated.
- the rollers 148, 158 facilitate installation of the hand-held tool 140 on a contact rail 12.
- the rollers 158 on the second jaw 158 allow the second jaw 153 to roll around the top portion 12a of a contact rail 12.
- the rollers 148 on the first jaw facilitate gripping the contact rail 12 when the handle 144 is moved downwardly.
- the rollers 148, 158 are configured to contact respective side portions 12b, 12c of a railway contact rail 12.
- the second intermediate portion 155 of the second member 152 may have a flexible configuration relative to the first member 142 to facilitate good electrical contact between the contact surface 155a of the second intermediate portion 155 and a top portion 12a of a railway contact rail 12 when the first and second jaws 143, 153 grip respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of a railway contact rail 12.
- a flexible configuration of the second intermediate portion 155 may also facilitate installation of the hand-held tool 140 on contact rails that vary in height.
- Contact surface 155a is preferably formed from a material such as aluminum so that damage to the contact rail top portion 12a is prevented when the hand-held tool 140 is clamped to the contact rail 12.
- a replaceable electrically conductive pad (e.g., similar to electrically conductive pad 12 illustrated in Fig. 2 ), such as a copper pad, may be attached to the contact surface 155a of the second intermediate portion 155 to enhance electrical contact with the top portion 12a of a contact rail 12.
- the replaceable conductive pad may also reduce wear on the second intermediate portion contact surface 155a.
- a shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 extends from the first intermediate portion 145 of the first member 142 and is configured to engage the set of ratchet teeth 154 on the second member 152.
- the pawl portion (not shown) of the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the set of ratchet teeth 154 on the second member 152, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.
- the shoulder bolt and.pawl assembly 160 is configured to hold the first and second jaws 143, 153 in contact with the respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of a railway contact rail 12 when the handle 144 is pivoted in a downwardly direction (indicated by arrow A 1 in Fig. 5 ).
- a coil spring 162 serves as a biasing member and is operatively associated with the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 to urge the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 into engagement with the set of ratchet teeth 154.
- the coil spring 162 coaxially surrounds the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160.
- Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160.
- Various devices and pawl-type configurations may be used to hold the first and second jaws 143, 153 in contact with the respective opposite side portions 12b, 12c of a railway contact rail 12 according to spirit and intent of the present invention.
- a release lever 164 is attached to the first member and is operatively associated with the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 and configured to disengage the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 from the set of ratchet teeth 154 such that the handle 144 can move upwardly (indicated by arrow A 2 in Fig. 6 ) to force the first and second jaws 143, 153 away from each other, thereby releasing the contact rail 12.
- an end portion 164a of the release lever 164 engages an end 160a of the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 that extends outwardly from the coil spring 162.
- the release lever end portion 164a pulls the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 outwardly from the set of ratchet teeth so that the handle 144 is free to move.
- shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 and ratchet teeth 154 allows the hand-held tool 140 to be utilized on contact rails of varying heights. Moreover, use of the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 and ratchet teeth 154 may provide an increased margin of safety since, once engaged, the likelihood of accidental disengagement is reduced.
- the illustrated hand-held tool 140 is carried to a contact rail 12 in an opened position, moved under a rail overhead protection cover 18, and lowered down to the top portion 12a of the contact rail 12.
- the handle 144 is then moved downwardly (indicated by arrow A 1 ) to the "closed" position ( Fig. 5 ) whereupon the first and second jaws 143, 153 snugly engage the respective side portions 12b, 12c of the contact rail 12.
- the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 locks the first and second jaws 143, 153 in the installed position via the set of ratchet teeth 154.
- the release lever 164 is pressed towards the first member 142 (indicated by arrow A 3 ).
- the release lever 164 pulls the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 against the coil spring 162 such that the shoulder bolt and pawl assembly 160 becomes disengaged from the set of ratchet teeth 154, thereby allowing the first jaw 143 to be freely articulated via upwardly movement (indicated by arrow A 2 ) of the handle 144.
- the release lever 164 is small in size, relative to the handle 144, and is located close to the set of ratchet teeth 154, in order to reduce the chance of an operator accidentally pressing the release lever 164.
- the grounding apparatus 200 includes an electrically conductive clamp 30 that is configured to releasably grip a railway running rail, an electrically conductive hand-held tool 40 ( Fig. 3 ), 140 ( Fig. 4 ) that is configured to releasably grip a contact rail 12, and an electrically conductive cable 28 in electrical communication with the clamp 30 and the hand-held tool 40, 140 such that the railway contact rail 12 is grounded to the railway running rail 10.
- Exemplary clamping devices 30 which may be used to grip a railway running rail.in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are available from Hubbell, Inc., 584 Derby Milford Road, Orange, CT.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
- Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
- Electric Cable Installation (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Gripping Jigs, Holding Jigs, And Positioning Jigs (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a hand-held tool for gripping a railway contact rail according to the preamble of claims 1.
- A conventional railway track includes a pair of elongated running rails that receive the wheels of train cars thereon. The running rails are spaced laterally apart from one another and extend longitudinally and in substantially parallel relation to one another. For electric-powered train cars, such as subways and the like, a third rail is located adjacent to one of the running rails and is energized with electrical current and serves as the power supply for the electrical motors of electric-powered train cars. Electric-powered train cars typically have one or more steel collector shoes that contact the top portion of a contact rail for transferring electrical current from the contact rail to a train car's electric motors.
- US 2 068 528 A describes a rail connector clamp for use in making a connection to a rail for the ground side of a circuit. The adjustable clamping connector comprises a body member having a claw for engagement with one flange of a rail and having a slide member movable therealong and having a rail-clamping element supported therein with an actuating means for the rail-clamping element.
- GB 1 085 499 A describes a conventional clamp for earthing a rail that is similar to that shown and described in regard to Fig. 2.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional arrangement of
railway running rails 10 and anadjacent contact rail 12 for supplying electrical power. Thecontact rail 12 rests on elevatedinsulators 13 that are spaced apart along the railway. Thewheels 14 of a train car engage and roll along the runningrails 10 and acollector shoe 16 is in contact with thetop portion 12a of thecontact rail 12 and receives electrical power therefrom. - Because electrically energized contact rails are dangerous, a
protection cover 18 is conventionally utilized as illustrated in Fig. 1, particularly in areas where passengers may be present, such as loading platforms, etc. Aprotection cover 18 is conventionally mounted over thetop portion 12a of acontact rail 12, as illustrated. Conventionally, a gap of about 7,62 cm (3 inches) is provided between thetop portion 12a of acontact rail 12 and thebottom 18a of aprotection cover 18. However, this gap may vary. Conventionally, contact rail protection covers are permanently attached and cannot be removed, even for maintenance on the contact rail. - During railway maintenance work (e.g., replacing old or damaged rails, electrical circuit rewiring, construction, etc.), a contact rail is conventionally discharged or grounded once the electrical power is turned off. Conventionally, grounding of a contact rail is accomplished by connecting an electrical cable between the contact rail and the.running rail farthest away from the contact rail.
- Unfortunately, the confined space between a contact rail and an overlying protection cover may make it difficult to apply a conventional clamp (e.g:, a "C-clamp") to the contact rail. Accordingly, railway maintenance crews typically employ a "homemade" clamping device that is configured to clamp on to a.contact rail as illustrated in Fig. 2. The illustrated
clamping device 20 includes an electrically conductive "hook-up" pad 22 (e.g., a copper pad) with achain 24 and a T-handle 26. The hook-up pad 22 is placed on thetop portion 12a of acontact rail 12 and is held in place via a U-shapedholder 23 and achain 24. Thechain 24 is tightened around thepad holder 23 and thecontact rail 12 via the T-handle 26. Anelectrical cable 28 extends from theclamping device 20 to aclamping device 30 attached to a runningrail 10. Thecontact rail 12 is grounded to the runningrail 10 via theelectrical cable 28. - Unfortunately, installation of conventional clamping devices on contact rails can be time consuming and inconvenient. Moreover, conventional clamping devices can be dangerous because a person installing the clamping device may be required to come very close to an energized contact rail. This may be hazardous even if the person is wearing required protective clothing. Accordingly, there is a need for clamping devices that are quick and easy to install on energized contact rails protected by overhead covers and that can reduce the chances of operator exposure to an energized contact rail.
- In view of the above discussion, hand-held tools for gripping a railway contact rail having the features of claim 1 are provided. According to embodiments of the present invention, a hand-held tool includes first and second members pivotally attached. The first member includes a first jaw at an end thereof, a handle at an opposite end thereof, and a first intermediate portion extending between the first jaw and the handle. The second member includes a second jaw at an end thereof, a set of ratchet teeth at an opposite end thereof, and a second intermediate portion extending between the second jaw and the set of ratchet teeth. The first and second jaws are configured to pivot towards each other and grip respective opposite sides of a railway contact rail when the handle is pivoted in a downwardly direction.
- According to embodiments of the present invention, a pawl extends from the first intermediate portion and engages the set of ratchet teeth to hold the first and second jaws in contact with the respective opposite sides of a railway contact rail. A spring operatively associated with the pawl is configured to urge the pawl into engagement with the set of ratchet teeth. A release lever operatively associated with the biasing member and/or the pawl is configured to disengage the pawl from the set of ratchet teeth and to allow movement of the handle so that the first and second jaws can be disengaged from the contact rail.
- According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more roller members may be located at the first and second jaws to facilitate installation of the hand-held tool on a contact rail.
- Hand-held tools according to embodiments of the present invention can operate within very narrow spaces, thus allowing operators to quickly and easily grip an energized contact rail protected by an overhead protection cover while maintaining a safe distance therefrom.
- The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification, illustrate key embodiments of the present invention. The drawings and description together serve to fully explain the invention.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a conventional three-rail railway system having a pair of running rails and an adjacent electrically energized contact rail.
- Fig. 2 illustrates a conventional grounding apparatus for grounding a contact.rail to a running rail.
- Fig. 3 illustrates a hand-held tool for gripping a contact rail and for facilitating grounding thereof, according to embodiments of the present invention.
- Fig. 4 illustrates a hand-held tool for gripping a contact rail and for facilitating grounding thereof, according to additional embodiments of the present invention.
- Fig. 5 illustrates the hand-held tool of Fig. 4 in an installed configuration and illustrates the direction that an operator moves the handle to secure the first and second jaws to the respective side portions of the contact rail.
- Fig. 6 illustrates the hand-held tool of Fig. 4 in an un-installed configuration and illustrates the directions that an operator moves the release lever and the handle to disengage the first and second jaws from the respective sides of the contact rail.
- Fig. 7 illustrates a grounding apparatus for grounding an energized contact rail to a running rail according to embodiments of the present invention.
- The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- In the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, substrate, or panel is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "attached" to another element, it can be directly connected or attached to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly attached" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. The terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only.
- Referring now to Fig. 3, a hand-held tool 40 for gripping a railway contact rail to facilitate grounding thereof, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. The hand-held gripping tool 40 includes first and
second members pin 41. The illustratedfirst member 42 includes afirst jaw 43 at anend 42a thereof, ahandle 44 at anopposite end 42b thereof, and a firstintermediate portion 45 that extends between thefirst jaw 43 and thehandle 44. - The illustrated
second member 52 includes asecond jaw 53 at an end 52a thereof, a set ofratchet teeth 54 at an opposite end thereof, and a secondintermediate portion 55 that extends between thesecond jaw 53 and the set ofratchet teeth 54. The first andsecond jaws second members opposite side portions railway contact rail 12 when an operator moves thehandle 44 in a downwardly direction (indicated by arrow A 1 ). - The second
intermediate portion 55 of thesecond member 52 may have a flexible configuration relative to thefirst member 42 to facilitate good electrical contact between the contact surface 55a of the secondintermediate portion 55 and atop portion 12a of a contact rail when the first andsecond jaws opposite side portions intermediate portion 55 may also facilitate installation of the hand-held tool 40 on contact rails that vary in height (e.g., because of wear, etc.). - According to embodiments of the present invention, a replaceable electrically conductive pad (e.g., similar to electrically
conductive pad 12 illustrated in Fig. 2), such as a copper pad, may be attached to the contact surface 55a of the secondintermediate portion 55 to enhance electrical contact with thetop portion 12a of acontact rail 12. The replaceable conductive pad may also reduce wear on the second intermediate portion contact surface 55a. - In the illustrated embodiment, a
pawl 60 extends from the firstintermediate portion 45 of thefirst member 42 and is configured to engage the set ofratchet teeth 54 on thesecond member 52. Thepawl 60 is configured to hold the first andsecond jaws opposite side portions railway contact rail 12 when the handle 44' is pivoted in the downwardly direction (indicated by arrow A1). A biasing member 62 (e.g., a leaf spring as illustrated) is operatively associated with thepawl 60 and is configured to urge thepawl 60 into engagement with the set ofratchet teeth 54. Arelease lever 64 is attached to the first'member and is operatively associated with the biasing member 62 for disengaging thepawl 60 from the set ofratchet teeth 54 such that thehandle 44 can move upwardly (indicated by arrow A 2 ) to force the first andsecond jaws - The use of the
pawl 60 and ratchetteeth 54 allows the hand-held tool 40 to be utilized on contact rails of varying height. As is known to those skilled in the art, contact rails may vary in height as a result of wear. Moreover, use of thepawl 60 and ratchetteeth 54 provides an increased margin of safety since, once engaged, the likelihood of accidental disengagement is reduced. - Referring now to Figs. 4-7, a hand-held
tool 140 for gripping a railway contact rail to facilitate grounding thereof, according to additional embodiments of the present invention, is illustrated. The illustrated hand-heldtool 140 includes first andsecond members pin 141. The illustratedfirst member 142 includes afirst jaw 143 at anend 142a thereof, ahandle 144 at anopposite end 142b thereof, and a firstintermediate portion 145 that extends between thefirst jaw 143 and thehandle 144. The illustratedhandle 144 is welded to plate 149 which is attached (e.g., attached via hex-head machine thread screws, as illustrated) tofirst member 142. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this handle attachment configuration. Various ways of attaching thehandle 144 to the first member 142 (as well as ways of attaching other components of the hand-held tool 140) may be utilized. - The illustrated second member 152' includes a
second jaw 153 at anend 152a thereof, a set ofratchet teeth 154 at an opposite end thereof, and a secondintermediate portion 155 that extends between thesecond jaw 153 and the set ofratchet teeth 154. The first andsecond jaws second members opposite side portions handle 144 downwardly. Aferrule clamp 147 is located at the bottom of the illustratedfirst member 142 that is configured to securely grip the groundingcable 28. - A pair of
rollers 148 are located at thefirst jaw 143, and a pair ofrollers 158 are located at thesecond jaw 153, as illustrated. Therollers tool 140 on acontact rail 12. For example, therollers 158 on thesecond jaw 158 allow thesecond jaw 153 to roll around thetop portion 12a of acontact rail 12. Therollers 148 on the first jaw facilitate gripping thecontact rail 12 when thehandle 144 is moved downwardly. In an installed configuration, therollers respective side portions railway contact rail 12. - The second
intermediate portion 155 of thesecond member 152 may have a flexible configuration relative to thefirst member 142 to facilitate good electrical contact between thecontact surface 155a of the secondintermediate portion 155 and atop portion 12a of arailway contact rail 12 when the first andsecond jaws opposite side portions railway contact rail 12. A flexible configuration of the secondintermediate portion 155 may also facilitate installation of the hand-heldtool 140 on contact rails that vary in height.Contact surface 155a is preferably formed from a material such as aluminum so that damage to the contactrail top portion 12a is prevented when the hand-heldtool 140 is clamped to thecontact rail 12. - According to embodiments of the present invention, a replaceable electrically conductive pad (e.g., similar to electrically
conductive pad 12 illustrated in Fig. 2), such as a copper pad, may be attached to thecontact surface 155a of the secondintermediate portion 155 to enhance electrical contact with thetop portion 12a of acontact rail 12. The replaceable conductive pad may also reduce wear on the second intermediateportion contact surface 155a. - In the illustrated embodiment, a shoulder bolt and
pawl assembly 160 extends from the firstintermediate portion 145 of thefirst member 142 and is configured to engage the set ofratchet teeth 154 on thesecond member 152. The pawl portion (not shown) of the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the set ofratchet teeth 154 on thesecond member 152, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The shoulder boltand.pawl assembly 160 is configured to hold the first andsecond jaws opposite side portions railway contact rail 12 when thehandle 144 is pivoted in a downwardly direction (indicated by arrow A 1 in Fig. 5). Acoil spring 162 serves as a biasing member and is operatively associated with the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 to urge the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 into engagement with the set ofratchet teeth 154. In the illustrated embodiment, thecoil spring 162 coaxially surrounds the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160. - Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the shoulder bolt and
pawl assembly 160. Various devices and pawl-type configurations may be used to hold the first andsecond jaws opposite side portions railway contact rail 12 according to spirit and intent of the present invention. - A
release lever 164 is attached to the first member and is operatively associated with the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 and configured to disengage the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 from the set ofratchet teeth 154 such that thehandle 144 can move upwardly (indicated by arrow A 2 in Fig. 6) to force the first andsecond jaws contact rail 12. In the illustrated embodiment, anend portion 164a of therelease lever 164 engages anend 160a of the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 that extends outwardly from thecoil spring 162. As therelease lever 164 is moved downwardly towards thehandle 144, the releaselever end portion 164a pulls the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 outwardly from the set of ratchet teeth so that thehandle 144 is free to move. - The provision of the shoulder bolt and
pawl assembly 160 and ratchetteeth 154 allows the hand-heldtool 140 to be utilized on contact rails of varying heights. Moreover, use of the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 and ratchetteeth 154 may provide an increased margin of safety since, once engaged, the likelihood of accidental disengagement is reduced. - In operation, the illustrated hand-held
tool 140 is carried to acontact rail 12 in an opened position, moved under a railoverhead protection cover 18, and lowered down to thetop portion 12a of thecontact rail 12. Thehandle 144 is then moved downwardly (indicated by arrow A 1 ) to the "closed" position (Fig. 5) whereupon the first andsecond jaws respective side portions contact rail 12. The shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 locks the first andsecond jaws ratchet teeth 154. - To disengage the hand-held
tool 140 from a contact rail 12 (Fig. 6), therelease lever 164 is pressed towards the first member 142 (indicated by arrow A 3 ). Therelease lever 164 pulls the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 against thecoil spring 162 such that the shoulder bolt andpawl assembly 160 becomes disengaged from the set ofratchet teeth 154, thereby allowing thefirst jaw 143 to be freely articulated via upwardly movement (indicated by arrow A 2 ) of thehandle 144. In the illustrated embodiment, therelease lever 164 is small in size, relative to thehandle 144, and is located close to the set ofratchet teeth 154, in order to reduce the chance of an operator accidentally pressing therelease lever 164. - Referring to Fig. 7, a
grounding apparatus 200 for grounding an energizedcontact rail 12 to a runningrail 10 according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Thegrounding apparatus 200 includes an electricallyconductive clamp 30 that is configured to releasably grip a railway running rail, an electrically conductive hand-held tool 40 (Fig. 3), 140 (Fig. 4) that is configured to releasably grip acontact rail 12, and an electricallyconductive cable 28 in electrical communication with theclamp 30 and the hand-heldtool 40, 140 such that therailway contact rail 12 is grounded to therailway running rail 10.Exemplary clamping devices 30 which may be used to grip a railway running rail.in accordance with embodiments of the present invention are available from Hubbell, Inc., 584 Derby Milford Road, Orange, CT. - The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
Claims (7)
- A hand-held tool (40, 140) for gripping a railway contact rail (12) to facilitate grounding thereof, comprising: a first member (42, 142) comprising a first jaw (43, 143) at an end (42a, 142a) thereof, a handle (44, 144) at an opposite end (42b) thereof, and a first intermediate portion (45, 145) extending between the first jaw (43, 143) and the handle (44, 144); a second member (52, 152) comprising a second jaw (53, 153) at an end (52a, 152a) thereof, wherein the first and second jaws (43, 53, 143, 153) are configured to grip respective opposite side portions (12b, 12c) of a railway contact rail (12),
characterised in that
the second member (52, 152) is pivotally attached to the first member (42, 142) and the second member (52, 152) comprising a set of ratchet teeth (54, 154) at an end (52b, 152b) opposite to the second jaw (53, 153), and further comprising a second intermediate portion (55, 155) extending between the second jaw (53, 153) and the set of ratchet teeth (54, 154), wherein the first and second jaws (43, 53, 143, 153) are configured to pivot towards each other when the handle (44, 144) is pivoted in a first direction (A1) such that the second intermediate portion (55, 155) is in electrical contact with the railway contact rail (12); and a pawl (60, 160) extending from the first member (42, 142) that is configured to engage the set of ratchet teeth (54, 154) and hold the first and second jaws (43, 53, 143, 153) in contact with the respective opposite side portions (12b, 12c) of the railway contact rail (12) when the handle (44, 144) is pivoted in the first direction (A1). - The hand-held tool of Claim 1, further comprising an electrically conductive pad attached to the second intermediate portion (55, 155) that is configured to make electrical contact with the railway contact rail (12).
- The hand-held tool of Claim 1, further comprising a biasing member (62, 162) operatively associated with the pawl (60, 160) that is configured to urge the pawl (60, 160) into engagement with the set of ratchet teeth (54, 154).
- The hand-held tool of Claim 3, further comprising a lever (64, 164) operatively associated with the biasing member (62, 162) and configured to disengage the pawl (60, 160) from the set of ratchet teeth (54, 154) and allow movement of the handle (44, 144) in a second direction (A2) opposite to the first direction (A1).
- The hand-held tool of Claim 4, wherein the second intermediate portion (55, 155) makes electrical contact with a top portion (12a) of the railway contact rail (12).
- The hand-held tool of Claim 1, wherein the first jaw (143) comprises a roller (148) configured to contact the railway contact rail (12).
- The hand-held tool of Claim 1, wherein the second jaw (153) comprises a roller (158) configured to contact the railway contact rail (12).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/933,033 US6572390B2 (en) | 2001-08-20 | 2001-08-20 | Apparatus for grounding railway contact rails |
US933033 | 2001-08-20 | ||
PCT/US2002/026139 WO2003017431A1 (en) | 2001-08-20 | 2002-08-16 | Apparatus for grounding railway contact rails |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1419556A1 EP1419556A1 (en) | 2004-05-19 |
EP1419556A4 EP1419556A4 (en) | 2005-07-20 |
EP1419556B1 true EP1419556B1 (en) | 2006-10-25 |
Family
ID=25463304
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02757174A Expired - Lifetime EP1419556B1 (en) | 2001-08-20 | 2002-08-16 | Apparatus for grounding railway contact rails |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6572390B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1419556B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4113119B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100879646B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100511842C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE343858T1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0212105A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2457708C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60215673T2 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA04001586A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2289874C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003017431A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6899552B1 (en) * | 2004-01-14 | 2005-05-31 | Weston D. Robinson | Gripping and locking electrical grounding device for single and multiphase electrical equipment |
US6935869B1 (en) * | 2004-05-12 | 2005-08-30 | Electric Motion Company, Inc. | Meter box ground clamp |
NL1030956C2 (en) * | 2006-01-19 | 2007-07-20 | Infra Safety Services Europ B | Device for attaching a safety structure to a rail. |
US7566038B2 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2009-07-28 | Surgical Concept Designs, Llc | Rail clamp |
NL2002277C2 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2014-03-27 | Volkerrail Nederland B V | SHORT-TERM DEVICE. |
CN201185247Y (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-01-21 | 纬泰机械(上海)有限公司 | Earth wire clamp |
US9759369B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2017-09-12 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for clamping |
US9808572B2 (en) * | 2010-01-22 | 2017-11-07 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method and apparatus for clamping |
US9488200B2 (en) | 2010-01-22 | 2016-11-08 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for clamping |
US10082241B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2018-09-25 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for clamping |
US10655779B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2020-05-19 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for clamping |
US11649924B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2023-05-16 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for clamping |
US10563681B2 (en) | 2011-12-21 | 2020-02-18 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | System, method, and apparatus for clamping |
JP6372653B2 (en) * | 2014-04-15 | 2018-08-15 | 春日電機株式会社 | Terminal pressure welding fastener and explosion-proof grounding confirmation device equipped with the fastener |
CN104359690B (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2017-01-18 | 中车青岛四方机车车辆股份有限公司 | Simulation system for current collecting surfaces of C-type contact rails |
USD774645S1 (en) | 2015-02-10 | 2016-12-20 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Clamp |
USD754065S1 (en) | 2015-02-10 | 2016-04-19 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | AC-to-DC power supply |
US20160318361A1 (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2016-11-03 | Chris Anderson | Trailer hitch ground connector |
CN105428845B (en) * | 2015-12-31 | 2019-01-22 | 中国神华能源股份有限公司 | Code fixing apparatus for rail |
FR3059923B1 (en) * | 2016-12-12 | 2019-05-17 | Etablissements Bariot | PROVISIONAL CONNECTION CLAMP |
RU183311U1 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2018-09-18 | Сергей Ильич Волошин | Portable earthing device |
CN108987961B (en) * | 2018-06-22 | 2020-03-13 | 苏州大成电子科技有限公司 | Telescopic rail track electricity testing pile |
CN112449472B (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2022-10-18 | 比亚迪股份有限公司 | Electric locomotive electrostatic eliminator and electric locomotive platform |
DE102021111574A1 (en) * | 2021-05-04 | 2022-11-10 | Windhoff Bahn- Und Anlagentechnik Gmbh | Tool-free grounding concept |
KR102347355B1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-01-05 | 한국철도공사 | Automatic earthing device for electric car line |
JP7385292B2 (en) | 2021-10-14 | 2023-11-22 | 株式会社希望電機 | grounding equipment |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2068528A (en) * | 1935-10-15 | 1937-01-19 | Martin Hardsocg Company | Adjustable ground rail connecter |
US2244038A (en) * | 1940-06-22 | 1941-06-03 | John V Zapotosky | Track rail grounding clamp |
DE1230876B (en) * | 1964-11-30 | 1966-12-22 | Alois Schiffmann Dipl Kfm | Terminal for making contact with an electrical conductor, especially for grounding a rail |
US3840843A (en) * | 1973-09-18 | 1974-10-08 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Quick release grounding clamp |
DE7811403U1 (en) | 1978-04-17 | 1978-08-03 | C. A. Weidmueller Kg, 4930 Detmold | Protective conductor terminal block |
US4820901A (en) * | 1988-02-08 | 1989-04-11 | Peviani Thomas P | Quick releasable ground and rod clamp for welding |
US5046958A (en) * | 1990-12-07 | 1991-09-10 | Ronald Brown | Welding ground clamp |
US5240423A (en) | 1992-06-19 | 1993-08-31 | Burndy Corporation | Structural steel grounding connector |
DE19631436C1 (en) * | 1996-08-03 | 1997-10-09 | Weidmueller Interface | Earthing conductor connection esp for terminal block |
KR200191775Y1 (en) | 2000-03-06 | 2000-08-16 | 문정복 | Clamp for charging electricity through rails |
-
2001
- 2001-08-20 US US09/933,033 patent/US6572390B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-08-16 CN CNB028203119A patent/CN100511842C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-08-16 WO PCT/US2002/026139 patent/WO2003017431A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2002-08-16 EP EP02757174A patent/EP1419556B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-08-16 KR KR1020047002432A patent/KR100879646B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-08-16 RU RU2004107897/09A patent/RU2289874C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-08-16 JP JP2003522226A patent/JP4113119B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-08-16 AT AT02757174T patent/ATE343858T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2002-08-16 BR BR0212105-0A patent/BR0212105A/en active Search and Examination
- 2002-08-16 CA CA2457708A patent/CA2457708C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-08-16 DE DE60215673T patent/DE60215673T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-08-16 MX MXPA04001586A patent/MXPA04001586A/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP4113119B2 (en) | 2008-07-09 |
CA2457708A1 (en) | 2003-02-27 |
KR20040027925A (en) | 2004-04-01 |
RU2004107897A (en) | 2005-09-20 |
JP2005500660A (en) | 2005-01-06 |
ATE343858T1 (en) | 2006-11-15 |
WO2003017431A1 (en) | 2003-02-27 |
DE60215673D1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
US6572390B2 (en) | 2003-06-03 |
BR0212105A (en) | 2004-08-24 |
CN100511842C (en) | 2009-07-08 |
EP1419556A4 (en) | 2005-07-20 |
CN1568562A (en) | 2005-01-19 |
EP1419556A1 (en) | 2004-05-19 |
KR100879646B1 (en) | 2009-01-20 |
MXPA04001586A (en) | 2004-07-23 |
CA2457708C (en) | 2010-11-02 |
DE60215673T2 (en) | 2007-08-30 |
RU2289874C2 (en) | 2006-12-20 |
US20030036294A1 (en) | 2003-02-20 |
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